Not Keeping Up With the Joneses

Photo Courtesy of I Can Walk on Water Publishing, LLC

For those who have never heard the phrase "keeping up with the Joneses", it simply means trying to attain, keep up with, and/or impress someone who appears to have more.

I recently had a conversation with a friend about life. We were discussing where we wanted to be and where we thought we would be at this point in our lives. That conversation led me to think about why we felt we needed to be in a particular place by a particular age. Were these goals goals that we really wanted to obtain, or was society saying we should have these things?

With the help of social media, "reality" television, and plain ol' word of mouth we are thrown into the lives of others, whether we want to be or not. Lavish lifestyles have been glamorized more than ever. Accomplishments, vacations, love, body images, and financial status are just a few things that are constantly shared, and sometimes cause us to question the value of our own lives.

I'll admit there have been times when I compared my life to the life of other people I knew. I was struggling trying to achieve and receive the basic necessities of life; they had that plus a whole lot more. What were they doing that I wasn't?

If allowed those thoughts can become obsessive: causing anxiety, depression, and a loss of self.

There is nothing wrong with looking at the lives of others and wanting something similar. Just be mindful that we are on the outside looking in. We don't know the sacrifices, the tears cried, the prayers prayed, or the changes made to attain those things.

Photo Courtesy of Wix Media

Let's be deliberate. Let us focus on the small things that will get us to the BIG thing!

Remove the pressure to be perfect..there will be obstacles (learn from the mistake and keep moving forward). Don't be afraid to be the change you want/need; it is not up to anyone else to get us where we want to be; with that, it's okay to accept and ask for help. If you admire the lifestyle of someone and you're able (and comfortable), have a conversation with them, reach out to ask them about their successes, remembering each journey won't be the same.

We don't need to keep up with the Joneses, the Smiths, the Thompsons, or anyone else.

Doing what is necessary for our personal health, well-being, and joy is what we should focus on. Society should no longer be allowed to hold us captive in the "I could've, I should've, I would've" box. I'm going to continue walking on my water. I hope this has encouraged you to do the same.